| The first evidence relevant to the worship of | | | | replaced the axle-pins of the king's chariot with |
| Pelops and Hippodamia, in the area of Olympia, | | | | wax pegs which, once the race had started, |
| appeared during the Mycenaean period. | | | | melted and the wheels fell off. Oenomaus became |
| The mythological tradition of the area is | | | | tangled up in the reins and was killed. Pelops, |
| connected to the ancient king of Pisa, Oenomaus, | | | | therefore, won the race and took Hippodamia for |
| son of the god Ares. Oenomaus had received a | | | | his wife along with the whole kingdom of |
| prophecy that the end of his life would come with | | | | Oenomaus. When Myrtilus later tried to rape |
| the marriage of his daughter Hippodamia, whom | | | | Hippodamia, Pelops killed him and then went to |
| he begot with his wife Sterope. In an attempt to | | | | Oceanus where he was purified by Hephaestus |
| avoid the prophecy, the king announced that he | | | | and returned to become king of Pisa, wise and |
| would give his daughter to the one who would | | | | strong. He also renamed the land, which was |
| beat him in a chariot race. He, however, used | | | | formerly called Apia, to Peloponissos (the Island of |
| unbeatable weapons and immortal horses, gifts | | | | Pelops), or the Peloponnese. |
| from his father. During the races, many brave | | | | Without doubt, Pelops was the most important |
| young men were killed. Oenomaus buried their | | | | mythical person of the Peloponnese. In the sacred |
| bodies close to the Hippodrome of Olympia and | | | | grove of Olympia, the inhabitants founded a |
| nailed their heads over the gates of his palace. | | | | sanctuary to honour him at which they would |
| The last suitor was Pelops, son of Tantalus, who | | | | offer sacrifices every year. The belief that the |
| fell instantly in love with Hippodamia and she with | | | | Olympic games were established and took place in |
| him. The only person who could help them was | | | | memory of Pelops was also very popular. |
| Oenomaus' charioteer, Myrtilus, son of Hermes | | | | Take a look at some of the best Greece Travel |
| and gifted with his father's cunning. Pelops | | | | Guides, learn more about the Tour to Olympia |
| promised to give Myrtilus half of Oenomaus' | | | | and find numerous Hotels in Olympia to spend the |
| kingdom if he would help him win. Myrtilus | | | | night. |
| accepted and, before the start of the race, he | | | | |